Uploaded January 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Why So Sad? is an ongoing exploration into the nature of mental health initiated by John Rattray. After losing his sister to suicide and dealing with depression himself, Rattray developed the project starting in 2017.
Why So Sad? is not a charity but rather, a storytelling platform that approaches a serious subject through a lighthearted play on skateboarding’s language. The “Sad Plant” and “Sad Grab” are two tricks adopted as motifs to symbolize the conversation. “I think of it like a shared code,” Rattray says.
The mission of the project is to invite conversation. It simply asks that—as well as skating or riding— we also take some time to stop, talk, listen, read, and learn about this subject.
Explore more here: nikesb.com/whysosad
More from Nike Skateboarding
Official website: nikesb.com
Instagram: instagram.com/nikesb
Twitter: twitter.com/nikesb
Why So Sad? is an ongoing exploration into the nature of mental health initiated by John Rattray. After losing his sister to suicide and dealing with depression himself, Rattray developed the project starting in 2017.
Why So Sad? is not a charity but rather, a storytelling platform that approaches a serious subject through a lighthearted play on skateboarding’s language. The “Sad Plant” and “Sad Grab” are two tricks adopted as motifs to symbolize the conversation. “I think of it like a shared code,” Rattray says.
The mission of the project is to invite conversation. It simply asks that—as well as skating or riding— we also take some time to stop, talk, listen, read, and learn about this subject.
Explore more here: nikesb.com/whysosad
More from Nike Skateboarding
Official website: nikesb.com
Instagram: instagram.com/nikesb
Twitter: twitter.com/nikesb
